Lewis: Hugs after complete game
(c) Associated Press
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Brian Moehler didn't have a bad start but the Rangers' Colby Lewis was better. Houston's righthander allowed just one hit over six innings but that hit was a two-run blast by Justin Smoak into the upper deck in right field. Lewis allowed just two hits in a complete game effort. One of those was a seventh-inning double by Michael Bourn who later scored on a wild pitch.
The Astros' bullpen couldn't keep things close and the Rangers took a 5-1 victory Saturday night to go up, 2-0, in the Lone Star Series. Houston is now 1-10 in interleague play this year. After starting the month winning eight of ten, the Astros have now dropped seven of their last eight. The only thing keeping Houston out of the cellar is Pittsburgh's extended losing streak.
Lewis, who spent two years in Japan, tossed the first complete game in his big league career. Smoak was the offensive star with three hits and three RBIs as he continues to impress the Astros brass that passed him up two years ago.
Brandon Lyon and Casey Daigle surrendered runs late for the final margin. The series finale takes place Sunday afternoon in a 1:05 Central matinee. Felipe Paulino (1-8), coming off a disastrous start in Kansas City after three previous solid outings, takes the hill against lefthander C.J. Wilson (5-3).
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